The Liceu has an established line of community creation called Opera Prima, aimed at contributing to the development of citizens’ cultural rights—equality, diversity, territorial rebalancing, and cultural democracy—as well as promoting equity in participation and enjoyment of opera.
Community creation involves a specific territory, and each project entails the writing and composition of a new opera reflecting the realities of that context.
Entities, organizations, and individuals are identified who, along with opera professionals and Liceu staff, can develop participatory or co-creative artistic processes, such as image design, costume design, set design, or musical and vocal performance.
As a cultural organization with over 175 years of history, the Liceu takes on a great challenge with this project, stepping forward towards becoming an institution responsive to contemporary challenges for cultural institutions.
Contact: [email protected]
Community creation gives voice to its inhabitants, speaks of their realities, multiculturalism, and their languages and sounds.
Opera Prima 2: Current Project
Following the success of La gata perduda, the first community-created opera developed in the Raval neighbourhood, the Gran Teatre del Liceu is launching the second OPERA PRIMA project: La rosa dels set pètals, a new production co-created with the social and cultural fabric of the Sant Andreu district, which will premiere in three performances from 4 to 6 June 2027.
The OPERA PRIMA project has established itself as a tool for inclusion, participation and social transformation through culture.
La rosa dels set pètals is rooted in the Sant Andreu district, an area with a rich industrial, working-class and cultural heritage. With the support of Barcelona City Council and the active participation of local residents, the project brings together nearly 70 organisations, community facilities, collectives and cultural stakeholders from Sant Andreu.
Community creation means that the neighbourhood is involved throughout the entire artistic creation process, from dramaturgy, musical and choral performance to technical production, in an ongoing dialogue with professionals from the different artistic disciplines.
The libretto, written by Blanca Bardagil, emerged from a process of exploring the area, its history and its identity. The music is composed by Tomàs Peire and Lucas Peire. Stage direction is by Israel Solà, while Manel Valdivieso serves as music director and Buia Reixach is responsible for choir coordination and assistant music direction.
The artistic team also includes Bibiana Puigdefàbregas (set design), Joana Martí (costume design), Rodrigo Ortega (lighting design) and Laia Duran (movement direction).
The opera tells the story of Amèlia, a woman who relives the traumatic separation from her daughter, who was born in prison. Through this story, La rosa dels set pètals reflects on memory, identity, freedom and resilience.
The European Commission has endorsed and supports the OPERA PRIMA initiative through the AMPLIFY project, a consortium of 14 European partners whose mission is to develop tools based on Artificial Intelligence and Extended Reality technologies.
Opera Prima 1: Previous Projects
La Gata Perduda
The opera with which the Raval enters the Liceu. A dialogue that has been enriching on both sides – artistic and community – and has been a transformative experience for all the agents involved.